What is it like to live in Chicago?

[Oscar_Rodriguez]

I am from Barcelona and I do really like the atmosphere of the city, the culture and long history, which you can really feel when living here.

I am wondering what is it like living in Chicago - how would you describe the city's atmosphere?

[William_Higgins]

Hi Oscar!

I am from the Chicago area and have lived in the city proper for the last 13 years. Chicago is a very diverse city and has a variety of atmospheres. While the history isn't as long as your Spanish cities, it does show through. It is also modern and growing, especially in the city center. Lots of world class restaurants, museums, and entertainment options including a great music and theater scene.

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods which each have distinct histories and built environments. Chicago is known for having many tree-lined streets and parks so while it is densely populated, there is a connection to nature and the advantage of Lake Michigan which is basically a fresh-water sea. The Summer can get hot and humid, the winters can get very cold and snowy. There are some high-crime areas to avoid, but despite bad press lately, I generally feel safe, but you must be street-smart and aware of your surroundings like in any city.

I haven't ever been to Barcelona, but I was recently in Malaga and Madrid - Chicago falls somewhere between those two; Downtown Malaga reminded me a little of Chicago, but much smaller. Chicago and Madird are about the same area and population but Madrid has a different feel - much more densely built than Chicago for the most part, but Chicago has many more high-rises downtown. Also, unlike the Spanish cities I saw, our streets are on a gird system so it is easy to get around. Decent public transit in most areas too. Chicago isn't as bad as New York or LA, but it can be quite expensive; more expensive than Madrid these days for sure. Also unlike Spain, outside of the city there is sprawling suburbs in all directions. I don't care for most of them, but that's why I live in the city. Beyond the suburbs the region is very flat and mostly of corn fields and other agriculture.

To get a better idea I would suggest a virtual tour on google street view. Here are some places to start:

Michigan Avenue
Financial District
The Beach
University of Chicago
Humboldt Boulevard
Wicker Park neighborhood
Beverley neighborhood
Roscoe Village neighborhood
Pilsen neighborhood

[Stacie_B]

For a city of its size, I'd say Chicago is a very friendly place. As far as atmosphere, it really depends on in which neighborhood you choose to live. For example, Lincoln Park is a well-established and wealthy neighborhood, so it's generally quieter and more conservative (although the city as a whole is generally liberal, in my opinion). Then you have neighborhoods that have come up in the past 15 or so years like West Loop, Bucktown, Wicker Park, and most recently, Ukrainian Village. These neighborhoods tend to attract a younger resident because they are more affordable than somewhere like Lincoln Park (although becoming more expensive all the time), so the vibe is more energetic. Bottom line is that moving somewhere centrally located and highly accessible to public transportation - like the Loop, West Loop, or South Loop - your first year or so will give you the ability to see which neighborhood fits you best. You would also be pretty close to the Lake (always a big attraction during warmer months), the museums, and Millenium Park (site of the "bean" sculpture and many great free concerts and movies in the summer), and with easy access to public transportation to the literally hundreds of neighborhood festivals that go on during summer. Other than that, don't move here in the winter!! Barcelona is much warmer than Chicago, and the first winter here can be tough. Come in March or April and enjoy the wonderful summer before you subject yourself to the long slog that can be winter.

[Jm11]

Chicago has a vibe similar to other big cities in the US like NYC, LA and Houston but it is more affordable and very clean. It's more expensive than smaller cities of course, but you get the big city feel for much cheaper than elsewhere.

The food scene is fantastic and there are a ton of unique restaurants of every style and price range. There are a lot of different varieties of night life and different parts of the city has nightlife that is more clubby, more college-like, or more hip. There are always events going on in the summertime like street fests, parties and concerts, less so in the winter but it's not dead by any means as there are large events during all times of the year. It's easy to get around on public transit and you truly don't need to own a car.

Most outsiders are not aware that Chicago actually has really nice beaches. It's really nice to walk or bike down the Lake Shore path in the summer and relax or play volleyball on the beach.

Sometimes outsiders hear that Chicago is dangerous, but news stories and numbers can be misleading. There is a big poverty, crime, and gang violence problem in isolated areas on the South and West side. It's tragic and needs to be rectified, but it's not representative of the city as a whole.

By the way, visca Catalunya! I live in Chicago now but I've lived in Barcelona perviously and loved it

[Ula]

I have lived in Chicago all my life and now live in Barcelona. Why? Well, you cannot beat the weather in Barcelona. The weather in Chicago however, will beat you. But, besides the terrible winters what I miss most about Chicago is the food, super friendly people, and the endless music festivals. If you're looking for a city with an atmosphere similar to Barcelona, I think Chicago is a good place to move. Remember, llevate un abrigo!